Elements and Principles of Photography

1. Leading lines: Lines within an image that lead the eye to another part of the photo or sometimes out of the photo.

The rows in the field in this photo lead the eye to the windmill in the center.

2.Vertical Lines: Lines in a photo that go from top to bottom and portray certain moods such as strength or growth.

The vertical lines in this photo magnify the theme of growth and serve as an interesting background.

3. Horizontal lines: Lines a photo that go from side to side.

The sun shining through the clouds makes horizontal lines and a tranquil mood.

4.Diagonal lines: Lines in a photo that go from corner to corner.

This photo is panned and the blurred walls make diagonal lines creating an emphasis on speed.

5.Curved lines: Lines in a photo that are curved.

The guardrail in this photo wraps around the road presenting curved lines.

6.Symmetrical balance: In a centered composition with 2 elements, the composition is split down the middle so each element has equal visual space.

This photo is split down the middle and is identical on both sides showcasing symmetrical balance.

7. Asymmetrical Balance: Balance in a composition that does not rely on symmetry.

This photo is not symmetrical but it does have balance because the 2 subjects fit in together.

8. Unity: When all the elements of a composition come together to make one harmonious whole.

Each individual pencil in this photo comes together with the others to make one subject.

9. Variety: The use of combining diverse elements of art to make complex relationships.

The different colors and sizes of the spice bowls creates variety in this photo.

10. Movement/Rhythm: The path the viewers eye takes through the photo.

The movement of the bird guides your eye through the photo.

11. Emphasis: An area that attracts attention in a composition.

The surfer is the main point of interest in this photo since the rest is just the ocean.

12. Proportion/Scale: The size of an object compared to another object or a part of the whole.

The clothespin in this photo is compared to the relative size of people.

13. Repetition/Pattern: Repeating or recurring elements in a composition.

 The lines of light in this photo repeat themselves.

14. Bird's Eye View: Elevated view of an object from above.

This image shows a subject portrayed from very high above it.

15. Worm's Eye View: A view of an object from below it.

This photo shows the perspective of looking up at a tree from the ground showing worm's eye view.

16. Horizon Line: A very common horizontal line in photography that often acts as a dividing line.

The point where the ocean meets the sky is the horizon line and it divides the colors.

17. Rule of thirds: A way of breaking down a composition into thirds both vertically and horizontally.

The ocean takes up 2 thirds horizontally and the sky takes up the other third.

18. Framing: Using other objects to frame the main subject in the composition.

The main subject is the people but the leaves surrounding them act as a frame.

19. Simplicity: Taking a simple subject and putting in a setting clear of noise or disruption.

The hot air balloon is a simple subject an the sky is free of disruptions.

20. Texture: Formed by surface irregularities that create pattern like surfaces.

The surface irregularities in this rock formation create texture in the photo.